Weather for the week of July 23rd

The week of July 23rd began with a mostly sunny Sunday with highs reaching into the high 70’s. Monday will be rainy with showers and thunderstorms throughout the day with highs in the mid 60’s. The rain will continue well into Tuesday morning ending by noon. It will be cloudy after that with highs in the high 60’s. By Wednesday the rain will move out and the morning will be partly sunny with more clouds moving in for the afternoon. The highs will be in the mid 70’s. On Thursday the rain my return with the possibility of thunderstorms and highs in the mid 70’s. Friday will see more of the same with thunderstorms threatening especially in the afternoon and highs in the upper 70’s. The temperatures for Saturday will stay in the mid to high 70’s under cloudy skies. Getting wet in a shower may be refreshing but getting caught in a thunderstorm is no joke. When lightning begins to strike seek shelter under a rock overhang or in a lean-to or other building if possible. When the weather conditions are constantly changing, be sure you are dressed appropriately in clothing which will wick away moisture to allow further moisture to evaporate and cool your body. Layering should be with non-cotton materials as cotton tends to hold moisture. Keeping hydrated as the weather heats up can but hydrating properly will allow you to hike longer and in greater comfort. Be sure to carry plenty of water with you as local water sources can be unreliable and may be contaminated. Once you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Remember, the weather forecast is only a prediction and always contains percentages. Be prepared and have a plan for the most likely and least likely forecast! Are you prepared to stay out overnight on a trail? Conditions in the morning can change drastically by afternoon. Conditions at the trailhead do not always reflect the conditions on the peaks! Variable trail and weather conditions are a hallmark of these mountains. BE CAREFUL AND BE PREPARED!